OVERVIEW: The GHR Foundation’s global development grants largely focus on helping children receive necessary care and support. GHR also awards grants to faith-based groups that address global development challenges common to vulnerable communities.

IP TAKE: GHR seeks organizations that have scalable and sustainable programs that will positively impact local communities over the long term. Those with one-off projects that offer no long-term benefit are unlikely to obtain funding from this foundation.

PROFILE: Established in 1965 by Gerald and Henrietta Rauenhorst, the GHR Foundation “[s]eeks transformational change in education, health, and global development.” The foundation largely supports organizations that share its Catholic values. However, the GHR does not exclusively fund Catholic and religious-based organizations supporting secular groups as well. The foundation employs a “design-build approach,” with an eye toward “[h]elping children be raised in more supportive family environments" in its global grantmaking.

Overall, GHR prioritizes giving to development, children, health and education. Its Children and Families seeks to prevent kids from being separated from their families, help children in need of family care, and advocate for systematic change in child welfare systems and policies. Grants through this program are geographically restricted to Zambia and Cambodia.

GHR's Inter-Religious Action program “works to improve development outcomes, build lasting community connections and advance peace by mobilizing religious leaders and communities to address common challenges.”

In addition, through its global development grantmaking, the foundation also offers support to ensure the future of the Catholic sisterhood.

GHR awards grants between $25,000 to $250,000, and a few $1 million grants each year. To learn more about the types of organizations receiving GHR support, explore its grantees page. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications or requests for funding.